Rodtang Jitmuangnon Pulls Out Of Grand Prix; Replacement Named

ONE Championship's first card on US primetime in the form of ONE on Prime Video 1 was hit with a massive blow as Rodtang Jitmuangnon has withdrawn from the card.

The announcement was made by color commentator Michael Schiavello during the live ceremonial weigh-in that the reigning Muay Thai flyweight champion had pulled out of the fight and that he has officially withdrawn from the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix altogether.

Rodtang was scheduled to face Cypriot Savvas Michael in the fight ahead of the co-main event, but his withdrawal opened the door for his teammate Panpayak Jitmuangnon to enter the semifinals as an alternate.

It certainly was a surprising turn of events as Rodtang was seen by many as the favorite to win it all and cement his claim of dominance over the entire division as its titleholder and Grand Prix champion.

ONE bantamweight Muay Thai champion and fellow Thai fighter Nong-O Gaiyanghadao was confident that Rodtang would make his dream come true, putting himself squarely in the corner of his fellow countryman.

Michael was extremely confident in his ability to defeat the Thai hard-hitter at ONE on Prime Video 1 that he revealed his game plan of getting into Rodtang's head during the fight in order to open up scoring opportunities for himself.

Despite the change in opponents, Michael had no issues making weight as he tipped the scales at 134.25 pounds, almost hitting the flyweight division's weight limit of 135 pounds.

In the case of "The Angel Warrior," he went over the limit as he weighed in at 135.25 pounds and will have until 4:00PM SGT (4:00AM ET) to shed the extra weight in order to get the green light.

ONE Championship is yet to release any details pertaining to Rodtang's shocking decision to withdraw, but a statement is expected to be released very shortly.

This is a developing story that the International Business Times will continue to monitor in the coming hours.